Defunct toilet reopens in Ambala slum

Hindustan Times had earlier highlighted the plight of slum dwellers, especially women, who were forced to defecate in open as the sole community toilet catering to over 150 families in Ambala City’s Amba Market had been defunct for over a year.

The sole community toilet catering to over 150 slum families in Ambala City’s Amba Market has been finally restored, after remaining defunct for almost a year.

The sole community toilet caters to over 150 families living in slums near Amba Market in Ambala. (HT PHOTO)

Hindustan Times had earlier highlighted the plight of slum dwellers, especially women, who were forced to defecate in the open.

Municipal corporation commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata on Monday said, “The toilet services have been restored. The sewer pipe of the particular toilet was choked, due to which it was closed. I had already written to the public health engineering department (PHED) for cleaning it and work was completed last week.”

Civic affairs experts had also pointed to the violation of open defecation-free (ODF)++ status that mentioned “…not a single person is found defecating and/or urinating in the open, all community and public toilets are functional and well-maintained….”

Khadgata had, however, rejected the claim and vouched for the presence of two more toilets in the area.

‘It will choke again’

Meanwhile, Mukesh, a slum dweller, contended that the re-opening was temporary. “The pipe will get choked again,” he said.

Dinesh Gaba, executive engineer, PHED, said, “There will be no such problem in the future and the concern will be cleared out with the councillor.”